EbA activities are often carried out in natural ecosystems, for example, protecting native forests high in a mountain catchment to prevent landslides further down, or restoring natural vegetation along riverbanks to prevent soil erosion. EBA can also include examples of activities that take place in relatively transformed agricultural ecosystems, such as disseminating seed of drought-resistant varieties of indigenous grains to protect livelihoods. Much EBA work takes place in natural or semi-natural ecosystems, where there are also benefits for biodiversity conservation.

Practical strategies used for EBA include the following: a) Crop diversification that embraces varieties that take into account climate change b) Agroforestry with species better suited to increased climate risk c) Seasonal movement of people and livestock between winter and summer pastures d) Ecosystem restoration with species that are better adapted to warmer conditions e) Catchment management that takes into account increased climate risk.

Examples of Ecosystem-based Adaptation interventions and their benefits:

About EbA

Healthy ecosystems deliver critical goods and services, such as providing food and fuel, or preventing floods and soil erosion. People depend on these goods and services for their wellbeing and livelihoods. However, because of climate change and other human impacts, many ecosystems have become degraded, with negative impacts on people’s lives. EBA involves the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change.readmore